The transformation of road signage in Spain is moving towards an increasingly more connected, digital and predictiveIn this context, the following appears: V27 signalKnown as virtual triangle, an intelligent warning system integrated into the vehicle that will begin to be rolled out progressively from 2026.

Although its name may cause confusion, the V27 It is not a replacement for the V16 beaconbut an additional element within the connected road safety ecosystem promoted by the Directorate General of Traffic.

What exactly is the V27 signal?

La V27 is a digital traffic signal, without physical support, which is displayed directly on the vehicle instrument panel or multimedia systemIts purpose is not to signal a stopped vehicle, but to warn the driver of existing or imminent risks on the road.

These notices may be related to:

• Recent accidents.
• Broken down or immobilized vehicles.
• Obstacles on the roadway.
• Sections with slow traffic or congestion.
• Presence of machinery or roadworks.

The information comes from central traffic management platforms and other connected vehicles, enabling a early risk assessment, even before it is physically visible.

Technological architecture of the V27 signal

From a technical point of view, the V27 is based on three fundamental pillars:

1. Permanent vehicle connectivity

Only vehicles will be able to receive V27 alerts connected telematically to the National Traffic and Mobility Information Access Point. Without connectivity, the signal simply doesn't exist.

2. V2V and V2X Communication

The V27 uses technologies from Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and with infrastructures (V2X), which allows alerts to be distributed dynamically within a certain radius.

3. Cloud Management

All information is processed on centralized platforms, where events are validated and alerts are redistributed to affected vehicles. It does not depend on a single issuer, but on a collaborative data ecosystem.

How do you activate a V27 signal?

Unlike the V16 beacon, the V27 can be activated in two ways:

• Automatically, when the system detects an event recorded on the traffic platform.
• Manually, if the driver decides to report an incident from the vehicle itself (when the manufacturer allows it).

In both cases, the driver You do not need to leave the vehicleThis eliminates one of the main risk factors in emergency situations.

Implementation and voluntary nature

The DGT has confirmed that:

• The V27 signal will begin to be implemented as of January 1, 2026.
• Its use will be voluntarynot mandatory.
• It will depend exclusively on the vehicle being prepared and connected.

This implies that Not all vehicles will be able to use it, at least in the first phase, since its availability will be conditional on:

• The manufacturer.
• The year of the vehicle.
• The level of connectivity of the on-board system.

V27 and V16: two different concepts, one same objective

It is important to clearly differentiate between both systems:

• La V16 beacon connected is a mandatory physical device from 2026 to signal an immobilized vehicle.
• La V27 is a information system, focused on prevention and anticipation of risk.

While the V16 communicates a specific situation (vehicle stopped), the V27 broadens the scope of the information, alerting of dynamic risks which can change in a matter of minutes.

For this reason, the DGT considers them complementary systemsnot mutually exclusive.